Time for a New HVAC? Planning for HVAC Replacement

Avoid a Breakdown: Plan Your HVAC Replacement

Renovations and updates can be very rewarding and rather fun (or very frustrating, depending on your POV). A new coat of paint, new bathroom fixtures, or a transformed kitchen often adds value to a home while enhancing family enjoyment. The decision-making can be exhilarating, and the results can be quite pleasant.

However, not all home updates inspire creative juices or bring such joy. Most homeowners don’t get very excited about replacing the home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Yes, replacing the HVAC system will affect the comfort and health of your family for the next 20 years and will definitely reduce heating and cooling costs, so it’s not uncomfortable. But there is nothing to see and therefore it does not elicit much excitement.  

Some other benefits of a new HVAC system include:

  • Expect a new system to be quieter.
  • New systems will have variable-speed compressors and blower motors since heating/cooling needs vary when the indoor/outdoor temperature difference is slight or extreme.
  • New systems can have improved filtration or UV lights in the ductwork to improve indoor air quality.
  • New systems are usually more environmentally friendly.

Determining When It Is Time for an HVAC Replacement

Deciding the best time to replace your HVAC system will take the pressure off such a large purchase. 

You should determine:

  • The age of your current HVAC system. Experience shows these systems last, on the short side about 15 years and on the long side about 25 years. Knowing the age of your system can help you determine when it needs to be replaced. If uncertain, collect the model/serial number from the manufacturer’s plate and take it to the brand’s website.
  • If replacement is overdue, replacement plans should get underway. Putting a decision off too long might result in a catastrophic failure and an emergency replacement.
  • If research reveals the system might have a few more years, adjust the budget now if possible, preparation for a replacement might be in order.

Other HVAC Replacement Factors

Beyond age, several other features of older HVAC systems can be detected as indications of systemic degradation.

  • Outdated Refrigerant. Air conditioners and heat pumps use refrigerant gas to transfer heat in and out of the home. (Refrigerant is commonly called Freon.) The US Environmental Protection Agency is constantly researching better refrigerant gas to protect the Earth’s ozone layer. Outdated refrigerants are regularly replaced with improved versions. Recently banned refrigerants include R-22, R-404a, and R-410a. If your system uses these gases, it may be impossible. If replacement is an option, the cost of replacement can be prohibited. The serial/model number plate will help a homeowner determine the type of refrigerant used.
  • Small repairs are not uncommon. However, some components are worn and used constantly. While they can be replaced the cost of equipment and installation rivals the cost of complete replacement. For natural gas furnaces, damage to the burner assembly/heat exchanger combination can be an expensive repair. Replacing the compressor on an air conditioner can also be very expensive. Compare the cost of new equipment with the cost of new components before making a decision.
  • Poor Performance. If adjusting the temperature setting does not result in a comfortable room temperature, it might indicate a minor repair is needed. Or it might indicate the entire system is extremely worn and needs to be replaced. This condition often results in higher energy use (read “high energy bills) at the same time.

All Cool AC & Heating – The Richmond HVAC Replacement Experts

While home renovations often focus on visible upgrades, replacing an HVAC system is a crucial, though less glamorous, improvement that impacts comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Knowing the age of your system is key, as most last between 15-25 years, and planning for replacement before a complete failure can prevent emergencies. Beyond age, consider factors like outdated refrigerant, costly component repairs, and declining performance when deciding if it’s time for a new HVAC system.

All Cool AC Richmond HVAC replacement professionals can assist with your HVAC replacement and repair needs. Schedule your Richmond HVAC replacement consultation by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC installation technicians put their experience to work for you.